How to Get Rid of Gnats
Gnats are irritating insects that can quickly overtake a home. You can usually find them lingering around food left laying around and inside the trash can. Although they look similar to flies, they are smaller and fly in packs. Their lifespan ranges from two to four months, but they can reproduce at a rapid pace during those months. The key to getting rid of gnats is to quickly eliminate their sources of food and then prevent future infestations. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ammonia
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish detergent
- Small cups
- Paper towels
- Bleach spray
Instructions
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Clean Up
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1
Clean up the living area where the gnats are hanging around. This is usually the kitchen. Take away all garbage, clean the sink disposal, and throw away any food residue.
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2
Spray the counters with a cleaner that contains bleach to discourage gnats. Dry off the counters with paper towels.
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3
Find out where the gnats are getting into the house. If there are cracks around windows or doors, seal them. Fix any window or door screens.
Elimination
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4
Pour a cup of ammonia down your sink drains and disposal to coat the inside. Gnats inside the drains will quickly die.
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5
Mix together equal parts apple cider vinegar and dish detergent.
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6
Pour the mixture into small dishes or cups and set them out in the areas where gnats congregate. The gnats will be attracted to the sweetness of the vinegar but will get caught and die in the dish soap.
Prevention
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7
Keep trash cans covered at all times, and empty them every night.
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8
Leave your compost buckets outside. Gnats love vegetables and fruits.
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9
Avoid over watering your plants. Soggy soil attracts gnats.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit John Howard/Lifesize/Getty Images
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Comments
View all 8 Comments-
Try VINEGAR IN A JAR. I used 2 baby food jars, poked holes through the top and filled with vinegar. Placed them near the trash bin and where the fruit bowl used to be. The gnats can get in the jars but can't climb out. About 1 week later the home is gnat free! I also cleaned the trash bin with bleach cleaner and disposed of the fruit bowl.
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Hi is there a dirfferance betwen the apple cider and just the white vinegar.
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How do I get them out of my potted roses?
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Apple cider vinegar works for fruit flies. We've had so many and its the only thing I could get to work. Put it in a dish, cover w plastic wrap nd poke some small holes.
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I will be buying ammonia in about 10 minutes! these things gotta go!
